Laidlaw's driving ambition for Scotland

The multimillionaire outlines his plans for a charity aimed at helping youngsters get ahead. By Robert Ballantyne

THE DAY after the Monaco Grand Prix is not the day to arrive in Monte Carlo.

The Formula One circus has moved on, and although the yachts are still in the harbour the only signs of life are the crews mopping up. All the glamour is gone and only the grit remains.

Irvine Laidlaw clearly likes it that way. Despite an astounding view of the harbour and half the circuit from his penthouse balcony, he has no regrets about missing the race.

“I’d rather drive, not watch,” he said, explaining that he had competed in the historic race around the streets of Monaco that takes place the week before the grand prix.

His 1937 Maserati — one of the six vintage cars he still races — will do 120mph and is “not bad” around Monte Carlo’s hairpin bends. And don’t ask about “key man” insurance — a raised eyebrow says it all. We